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Rimbey FCSS celebrating 40 years of community service

By Michaela Ludwig
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Jamie Coston and Carly Wegenast hold up the new Rimbey FCSS 40th Anniversary banner. (Submitted)

By Michaela Ludwig

For the Rimbey Review

The fifth annual Rimbey FCSS community block party will have a special meaning this year – the event will also celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary.

FCSS, which stands for family and community support services, operates as a social safety net for the community. Through a contract with Alberta Health Services FCSS provides personal care or home care for residents; home support, such as light housekeeping, which helps seniors to be able to stay in their homes longer; a volunteer visitor program, which helps those in the community that are isolated due to age or health conditions; and nutrition programs, such as the cultured chef program, which highlights newcomers to the Rimbey area and the delicious foods they enjoy cooking from their home countries.

The block party, which will take place on Thursday July 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rimbey Lions playground #1, began as a community development idea.

“Back then, we had heard of these kind of events and we wanted to try it,” explained Peggy Makofka, executive director for Rimbey FCSS.

“We saw the value in neighbours and friends getting together and having fun. We want our community to feel safe and people to feel included.”

The block party, which is being co-ordinated by Davita Roseboom, a summer student with Rimbey FCSS, will feature a free barbeque, with freezies and popcorn for everyone. Local volunteer groups have also been invited to set up a booth, so locals attending the barbeque can see what opportunities the town offers.

On The Mark Productions will be DJing the event and the Rimbey Municipal Library will be bringing games. Attendees will also have a chance to meet this year’s Rimbey Rodeo Royalty, who will be stopping by.